Live Report: Alkaline Trio, Drug Church, and Worriers at The Novo (March 29, 2024)

Kenny Cotich

April 6

On a brisk Los Angeles evening, the vibrant energy of the city's music scene was on full display at The Novo, as punk rock enthusiasts gathered around L.A. Live for a night of raw emotion and powerful performances. Alkaline Trio was the headlining act with support from Worriers and Drug Church. The lineup promised an evening of cathartic release and sonic intensity.

Worriers:

Kicking off the night proper, Worriers took to the stage with a gradual yet strong presence. Fronted by the charismatic Lauren Denitzio, the band delivered a set filled with anthemic melodies and touching lyricism. Tracks like "Hold My Breath" and "Back Yard Garden" are newer songs that resonated with the crowd, their introspective themes hitting home with raw honesty. As a cisgender male with non-binary relatives, it was so empowering to see non-binary punk rock live. "They/Them/Theirs" continues to be a catchy and pure-gem of a song that speaks to the important conversation surrounding the gender binary. Denitzio's vocals soared over every track the band could fit in their opener set allotted time, capturing the audience's attention and presenting songs from most of the bands output.

Drug Church:

As the night progressed, Drug Church exploded onto the stage with unbridled ferocity. Their abrasive sound and relentless energy reverberated through the venue, igniting a frenzy among the crowd. From the aggressive riffs of "World Impact" to the infectious hooks of "Unlicensed Hall Monitor," the band's dynamic performance kept the audience on their toes, fueling the mosh pit with unrelenting intensity. Frontman Patrick Kindlon commanded the stage, his impassioned delivery adding another layer of depth to the band's visceral sound.

Alkaline Trio:

Closing out the evening with an unforgettable performance, Alkaline Trio took the stage to a thunderous roar of applause. With their iconic blend of punk rock and dark lyricism, the band captivated the audience from the first chord to the last. Their set was centered around the latest album, Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs, and I personally think this new release is one of their strongest. They bookended the show with two songs from the album: "Hot for Preacher," a delightful and biting offering, and the album's namesake "Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs," a sure-fire hit pop punk song. Other hits like "Mercy Me" and "Stupid Kid" were littered across the set and had the crowd screaming along. My favorite moment of the performance came at the conclusion of "Crawl" when the band went into the first verse of The Smith's "There is There Is A Light That Never Goes Out." Matt Skiba's haunting vocals constantly impressed me as he sounds even better live than on the record.

Throughout their set, Alkaline Trio delivered a masterclass in punk rock performance, channeling raw emotion into every chord and lyric. From the somber introspection of "Sadie" to the anthemic defiance of "Armageddon," the band's music resonated with a timeless urgency, reminding us of the power of music to connect us in our darkest moments.

In conclusion, the concert at The Novo was a night to remember, showcasing the enduring vitality and diversity of punk rock and the profound impact it can have on both artists and audience alike. Worriers, Drug Church, and Alkaline Trio each brought their own unique energy to the stage, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and catharsis that will linger in the memories of all who were fortunate enough to be in attendance.

Though the tour may be over, catch Worriers, Drug Church, and Alkaline Trio in a city near you! You won't want to miss a performance from these great artists who put their own spin on punk rock. Listen to Alkaline Trio's latest album here, Worriers' latest here, and Drug Church's latest here!

https://open.spotify.com/album/3BQK669H6FrqGVd7YtxNIs?si=LtI68oRkQaaFMKtyMr89_g